Portret van Lorenz Dürnhofer c. 1597 - 1669

Theodor de Bry created this engraving of Lorenz Dürnhofer in the late 16th century. The print gives us a glimpse into the world of European intellectuals during the Reformation. Dürnhofer, identified as a theologian, is framed by an oval border with floral designs. The Latin inscription below praises his eloquence and admirable character. What does it mean to represent the man of God as learned, wise, and virtuous? What are the politics of the image? In the context of religious upheaval, the engraving served a public role. As a visual representation of a respected theologian, the image would have been intended to reaffirm the importance of religious authority in a time of change. De Bry, as an artist and publisher, would have played a role in shaping public opinion through the dissemination of such images. Historians can look at such portraits for a window into the social and political struggles of the period. We can look at related texts, pamphlets and sermons, to better understand the cultural and institutional history of religious authority in the 16th century.